The New York Mets today signed catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. He is expected to join the team and be in uniform on Tuesday.

Alomar, 40, appeared in 27 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 before being traded to the Chicago White Sox on July 23rd. With the two teams, Sandy hit a combined .278 (30-108) with eight doubles, one home run and 30 RBI in 46 games.

The 6-5, 230-pounder played in 46 games in 2005 for the Texas Rangers, batting .273 (35-128) with seven doubles and 14 RBI.

Alomar, the 1990 American League Rookie of the Year, has been selected to the American League All-Star team six times in his 16-year career (1990-1992, 1996-1998). In addition, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1997 All-Star Game, and a Gold Glove Award winner in 1990.

In 1,369 major league games, Alomar has batted .274 (1,233-4,508) with 248 doubles, 10 triples, 112 home runs and 588 RBI with San Diego, Cleveland, the White Sox, Colorado, Texas and the Dodgers.

Sandy's father, and current New York Mets Third Base Coach, Sandy Alomar Sr., is entering his third season with the organization. His brother, Roberto Alomar, played for the Mets from 2002 until being traded to the White Sox in July, 2003.